Apple has announced the release of the new iPhone 7 and the wireless headset – AirPods. There is much discussion about the removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack, but really, the focus should be on the WIRELESS element of the headset.

Why is wireless a problem?

The AirPods work on Bluetooth technology, and Bluetooth operates off of microwave radiation. So, the AirPod emits Bluetooth microwave radiation to communicate with a smart phone or other wireless device. On top of that, according to EE Times, the left AirPod communicates with the right AirPod using a different technology, “near field magnetic induction (NFMI).” That’s also microwave radiation. If one uses the AirPods many hours a day, the cumulative exposure to the brain from this microwave radiation could be substantial.

In a nutshell, the microwave radiation from your Bluetooth connection is travelling back and forth between the phone and the ear piece, and also from the left ear piece to the right ear piece. What happens to be seated between the left ear piece and the right one? Yes, that’s correct, your brain.

Saying that Bluetooth technology is safe because it is low power is misleading. Bluetooth uses 1600 Hz pulsing constantly over a long time and produces power density levels to the head which are shown to be biologically active in cell and animal studies (see, for example, a review in the BioInitiative Report). The batteries of a wireless Bluetooth headset are made to last for five hours, but with the charger can operate for up to 24 hours. In cell studies it only takes minutes for microwave exposure to cause oxidative stress at the cellular level.  In addition to Bluetooth effects, the near field magnetic induction (NFMI) is able to penetrate through the bones and brain causing even more exposure.

How do I fix this?

Medical professionals, like those in the Vienna Medical Association, recommend using wired, airtube headsets instead. This will not only be safer, but more convenient as the new AirPods are only compatible with the iPhone 7 and so you’ll still need another headset to use with with Apple laptops and music players.

Find out the facts and make smarter decisions when using your wireless technology.

Take our free quiz at www.wirelesseducation.org.